The risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection continues as a number of Californians remain unvaccinated. Real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With the more transmissible Delta variant, there is additional urgency to get all eligible Californians fully vaccinated as quickly as possible, completing a two-dose vaccination process if they are receiving Pfizer or Moderna.
CDPH is working with local partners and health care providers to administer booster doses to all Californians who are eligible, including those aged 65+ and the immunocompromised, to ensure they maintain optimal protection from COVID-19 heading into the winter season. Boosters are recommended for all Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients aged 18 and older who were vaccinated two or more months ago. The CDC and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup have declared the following groups of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna recipients eligible for a booster dose six months or more after their initial series:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
- Age 18+ who are at increased risk due to social inequity
Vaccination appointments for eligible individuals can be made by visiting myturn.ca.gov or calling 1-833-422- 4255. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those under the age of 18 to receive a vaccination. Visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available.
Testing Turnaround Time
The testing turnaround time dashboard reports how long California patients are waiting for COVID-19 test results. During the week of October 17 to October 23, the average time patients waited for test results was 1.0 days. During this same time period, 78% of patients received test results in one day and 96% received them within two days.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
As of October 18, there have been 660 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) reported statewide. MIS-C is a rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 that can damage multiple organ systems. MIS-C can require hospitalization and be life threatening.
Your Actions Save Lives
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu, it's your turn now! It's recommended for everyone over six months of age to be vaccinated for the flu. For COVID-19, Californians age 12+ are eligible to make appointments or go to a walk-in site for vaccination. You can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day.
- Californiaās Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record is
an easy way to show vaccination status at venues or businesses that require
proof of vaccination. Visit myvaccinrecord.cdph.ca.gov today to get your
vaccine record
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches), get tested, call your health care provider, and stay home and away from others.
If you believe you have been exposed, get tested. Free, confidential testing is available statewide.
Wear a mask when required. Read the latest face covering guidance.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Delay travel (both domestic and international) until you are fully vaccinated. Read the CDC's full travel guidance.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home from work and school if you feel ill.
Avoid crowded venues or areas when cases are high.
Add your phone to the fight by signing up for COVID-19 exposure notifications from CA Notify.
Answer the call or text if a contact tracer from the CA COVID Team or your local health department tries to connect.
Local health jurisdictions can implement
protocols that are stricter than state guidance. Check with your local health
department about local conditions.